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Spring weather in British Columbia brought record-high daily temperatures to several communities, while an arriving cold front is expected to bring strong winds to southwestern parts of the province.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver, southeastern Vancouver Island from Greater Victoria to Nanaimo and the southern Gulf Islands, with strong winds starting Monday afternoon through to Tuesday morning.
Ross Macdonald, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said gusts will peak around 9 p.m. and after midnight. The strongest winds will be in areas close to the water, such as Richmond, Delta, and the University of British Columbia’s Point Grey campus.
“Weakened tree branches might be able to come down, certainly loose objects,” he said.
Winds are expected to gust up to 70 km/h and the weather agency warns residents to be prepared for possible power outages and travel disruptions.
B.C. Ferries confirmed Monday afternoon that two evening sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen would be cancelled due to strong winds in the forecast, after issuing a warning earlier in the day.
B.C. Ferries spokesperson Ceilidh Marlow previously told CBC News that they are keeping a close eye on conditions and hope to keep service moving as smoothly as possible.
“We know this is not what anyone wants to hear after a very difficult long weekend. But safety remains our priority,” Marlow said. “When it comes to weather, you know, unfortunately we have to cancel if it’s not safe for the vessels to be out there.”
“It’s a fine balance between wanting to wait and see how the weather is before making a preemptive decision when we could sail.”
B.C. Ferries said if conditions don’t improve, two sailings on Tuesday morning are at risk of cancellation.
B.C. Hydro said it is aware of the forecast and the possibility of localized outages, but it does not expect the strong winds to be a significant event.
“We do have crews ready to respond if the power does go out,” B.C. Hydro spokesperson Mora Scott said. “We always do have the ability to bring in additional crews, if needed, as well as contractor crews as well.”
Scott advises residents to be prepared with an emergency kit, including a flashlight, food, and water. She also reminds British Columbians that if they come across a downed power line, to stay at least 10 metres back and call 911.
Snowfall warnings have also been posted for the North and South Peace regions, with 10 to 20 centimetres expected to fall Monday night into Tuesday morning.
This comes after Environment Canada says four communities broke or matched their daily highs on Sunday for April 5, with the City of Trail reaching 23 C, breaking the old mark of 21.7 C set in 1966.
The temperature also reached a new high in Squamish at 24 C, while Bella Bella and Creston matched previous records at 15.9 C and 20 C, respectively.
Macdonald said cooler temperatures are expected on Tuesday.
